This Year, Let Restaurant Michael host Thanksgiving Dinner

North Shore restaurant offers gourmet family-style holiday dinner, including carry-out

It’s that time of year once again to begin making holiday plans. In order to help make your choices easier and less stressful, Restaurant Michael is hosting Thanksgiving for you. This Thursday, November 25, Restaurant Michael hosts Thanksgiving dinner from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations are accepted in 15-minute intervals. Dine-in reservations may be made through OpenTable or contacting the restaurant directly at (847) 441-3100.

Restaurant Michael also offers “Thanksgiving To Go” with carry-out dinners available for pick up between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thanksgiving Day. All carry-out orders must be placed in advance by Sunday, November 21. Contact Chef Michael Lachowicz directly to place carry-out orders at (847) 404-6916.

Both Thanksgiving dine-in and carry-out dinners are $45 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and include a family-style presentation of the following

Everyone receives:

Warm Baguettes and Whipped Honey Butter

Candied Squash Bisque with Toasted Brioche Croutons

Tossed Field Baby Greens with Champagne Herb Vinaigrette

 

Each party has a choice of Two of the following entrées:

Brown Sugar-Brined and Roasted Organic Turkey with Pan Gravy

Slow-Braised Beef Short Ribs Grande Mere (Red Wine Sauce, Pearl Onions and Bacon Lardons)

Roasted Tenderloin of Berkshire Pork with Rosemary Jus

Roasted Rack of New Zealand Lamb with Truffle-Scented Natural Jus

Each guest receives all of the following sides:

Sage and Organic Ground Beef Dressing (Stuffing)

Creamy Whipped Mashed Potatoes

Sweet Potato and Celery Root Gratin

Green Beans Tossed with Garlic and Bread Crumbs

Grand Marnier and Toasted Walnut Cranberry Sauce

Each guest receives all of the following desserts:

Individual Upside-Down Caramel Apple Tart
Individual Pumpkin Pie Tart

Cinnamon-Nutmeg Gelato

Grand Marnier Chocolate Truffles
Toasted Almond Biscotti

Michael Lachowicz and Restaurant Michael look forward to making new holiday memories with friends and family this Thanksgiving.

Restaurant Michael is located at 64 Green Bay R. in Winnetka, Ill. (847) 441-3100. Complimentary parking is available. Learn more at www.restaurantmichael.com. Be sure to “Like” Restaurant Michael on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RestaurantMichael and follow Michael on Twitter at @RestoMichael.

Dover Sole Special at Restaurant Michael

Tonight, Friday, October 15, Restaurant Michael is featuring Dover Sole, served in a very light egg batter before being bathed in a choice of preserved lemon and caper sauce or toasted almonds and fresh parsley ($29). As a reminder, be sure to indicate your preference for the Dover Sole when making a reservation as the supply is limited to just 24 orders this week.

Restaurant Michael is located at 64 Green Bay Rd. in Winnetka, Ill. Reservations may be made by calling the restaurant at (847) 441-3100. Visit www.restaurantmichael.com for more information. Become a fan on Facebook and follow chef/owner Michael Lachowicz on Twitter.

Winnetka's Restaurant Michael Weekend Special for Friday, Sept. 3 - Lobster!

This week to celebrate Labor Day, Restaurant Michael (64 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka) will be bringing in whole Maine lobsters tomorrow, Friday Sept. 3. Lobsters will be 1.25 lbs. each and poached into submission in butter. The same butter used to poach the meat will be used to make a simply stunning lobster and Cognac beurre blanc. This lovely velvet like sauce will be served with the entire shell free lobster, perched on a bed of sautéed baby spinach leaves and tarragon spaetzle. There is a market limit of just 36 lobsters so please make mention of your preference when making your reservation. Just $29.00 (plus gratuity and tax). Call (847)441-3100 for reservations.

Restaurant Michael's Dover Sole with a Twist, August 27

After a three-day Vegas excursion, Chef Michael Lachowicz has returned to Restaurant Michael (64 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka; 847-441-3100) with a weekly special inspired from his culinary experience at Guy Savoy, Robuchon and Bouchon.

Today's special (August 27 only), is Dover Sole with a Twist: three pristine filets of Dover sole wrapped around an impossibly delicate lobster mousse. The fish is gently poached/steamed in Chardonnay before finishing with a delicate Sauce Homard. This dish is $28, and must be requested upon making a reservation at Restaurant Michael. This dish is an incredible value as Chef Lachowicz sampled a variation in Vegas with a third of the portion, at three times the price.

Reservations for Restaurant Michael may be made at (847) 441-3100. Learn more about Chef Lachowicz and Restaurant Michael at www.restaurantmichael.com. "Like" Restaurant Michael on Facebook, and follow Chef Lachowicz on Twitter.

Restaurant Michael launches Premier Guest Dining Program

Michael Lachowicz, chef/owner of Restaurant Michael—an upscale haute French restaurant in Chicago’s North Shore—has created his own frequent diner program to reward its most valuable customers in a still struggling economy. Dubbed “Restaurant Michael’s Premier Guest Dining” program, Lachowicz’s dining plan offers pre-purchased house accounts, discounted 25 percent and usable without any restrictions.

“The Premier Guest Dining Plan has rewarded my valued customers for their years of appreciated patronage and loyalty,” says Lachowicz who opened Restaurant Michael in 2005. “This discounted dining option has served to lighten the burden of the economic turmoil and ensure customers a high quality dinner.”

Guests who purchase the plan receive $1.25 for every $1 purchased. Accounts are purchased in blocks of $500 each. Therefore, patrons purchasing $500 receive a house account of $625; $1000 buys $1250 in dining; and so forth. Guests purchasing $5,000 plans earn a bonus $250 for a total of $6,500 in Restaurant Michael cuisine.

There are no restrictions for when the dining credits are used. Lachowicz has said the program, which quietly launched several months ago, has been very successful for in-home catering and office parties. Guests may use the credit for regular dining, business dining, private parties, gift certificate purchases and holiday dining. Patrons may even use the dining plan for employee bonsus with written consent from the account holder.

To become a member of Restaurant Michael’s Premier Guest Dining program, customers contact Michael Lachowicz directly at (847) 404-6916 or via e-mail at chefdeuxgros@gmail.com.

About Restaurant Michael

Restaurant Michael, located at 64 Green Bay Rd in Winnetka, Ill. 60093, serves classic haute cuisine in a contemporary presentation with French country flair. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday 5:30 p.m. -10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5:30 p.m. -11:30 p.m.; and Sunday 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Complimentary parking is available. Valet is available on Friday and Saturday. Major cards accepted. For more information contact Restaurant Michael at (847) 441-3100 or www.restaurantmichael.com. “Like” Restaurant Michael on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RestaurantMichael or follow on Twitter at @RestoMichael.

Love is in the air at Restaurant Michael

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, so brush up on the sweet talking, and let Restaurant Michael do the cooking. On Sunday, February 14, enjoy a Three-Course Prix Fixe Dinner for $59 per person including Charles de Frere NV Sparkling Rose from the Loire Valley in France.

The first seatings are at 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., the second seatings at 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. and the third seating from 9 p.m. and on. The menu includes a choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert.

Appetizers:
Cassoulette of Exotic Mushrooms, Grilled Asparagus and Sesame Scented Prawns “A La Nage” with Micro Tarragon

Potato, Foie Gras and Poached Quail Egg Ravioli in Port Wine Veal Jus

House Cured Salmon with Warm Corn Blini over Crème Fraîche with Pernod

Entrées:
Carved Roast Chateaubriand of Beef Tenderloin, Madeira Jus, Potato Puree Gratin and Vegetable Bouquetierre

Dover Sole and Lobster “En Croute” with Spinach and Artichoke Flan, Pineau de Charantes Sauce

Roast Rack of Lamb, Provencal Vegetable Tian and Natural Jus with Black Truffle

Desserts:
White and Dark Chocolate Mousse Bombe, Basil Scented Strawberry Coulis

Hot Raspberry Souffle, Chambord Cream

Please note that reservations are required and space is limited. In an effort not to overbook, only 100 reservations will be taken by calling Restaurant Michael at (847) 441-3100. Credit cards are required to confirm the reservation. Restaurant Michael offers its regular a la carte menu and service on Friday, February 11 and Saturday, February 13.

Restaurant Michael is located at 64 Green Bay Rd. in Winnetka, Ill. serving classic haute cuisine in a contemporary presentation with French Country flair. Complimentary parking is available. Major credit cards are accepted. For more information, please visit www.restaurantmichael.com.

New year, new happenings at Winnetka's own Restaurant Michael

Restaurant Michael (64 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, IL; 847-441-3100) starts 2010 with new events including the return of its French Silver Service menu, the first wine pairing dinner of the new year and new winter hours.

The Silver Service Menu Returns in January
Restaurant Michael, known for putting a modern twist on classic French cuisine, had a successful 2009 in part because of the value it provides to its patrons. In an effort to continue this, Restaurant Michael is bringing back its popular Silver Service Menu beginning Tuesday, Jan. 5. The Silver Service menu is a way for guests to sample smaller portions of eight items from Restaurant Michael’s regular menu without paying full price. The entire table must participate in the Silver Service menu, which is $39 per guest.

Offered Sunday through Friday, the Silver Service menu features three appetizers, three entrées and two desserts in addition to a petite salad and Restaurant Michael’s signature warm cheese puffs. Appetizer selections include Slow Braised Lamb Osso Bucco Ravioli in garlic sauce, Potato Truffle Soup, Exotic Mushroom Custard with morel cream, Beet and Spinach Risotto with Roquefort cheese and Classic Escargot “En Cocette” with garlic and Pernod. The table selects from entrées like Lobster and Dover Sole Ravioli in saffron nage, Roast Tenderloin of Beef with sherry vinegar cream, Sliced Roast Saddle of Bacon Wrapped Rabbit, Sliced Roast Loin of Venison, sauce poivrade and Roast, Stuffed Breast of Guinea Hen. For the dessert course, guests select two from choices like White Chocolate Mousse Bombe, Caramel Apple Tarte Tartin, Raspberry Napolean with Chambord sauce or Grand Marnier Chocolate Truffles and toasted almond biscotti. Each course is served from sparking silver trays tableside by Restaurant Michael’s charming waitstaff. A three-course wine pairing is offered for an additional $14 per person.

Wine Pairing Dinner with DeLoach Vineyards
Chef/owner Michael Lachowicz teams up with De Loach Vineyards of the Russian River Valley in California to host its first wine pairing dinner of the new year at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 21. The guest speaker for the evening is Mr. John Wardzala, the Great Lakes Regional Manager for The Boisset Family of Wines of the Burgundy Region of France. The Boisset Family has taken De Loach to a whole new direction, being recognized as an authority on biodynamic, organic and sustainable wine making practices.

This reservation only dinner includes five courses paired with a variety of DeLoach wines including three Russian River Pinot Noirs and one Russian River Chardonnay, as well as Jean Louis French Sparkling Wine with hors d’oeurves. The cost of this wine pairing dinner is $79 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. The regular dinner menu is not offered on this date. To make a reservation for the wine pairing dinner, contact Restaurant Michael at (847) 441-3100.

New Winter Hours at Restaurant Michael
During the winter season, Restaurant Michael is not open for dinner on Monday evenings and no longer serves lunch on Friday. Restaurant Michael is, however, available for private events on both Mondays and Fridays if interested.

About Restaurant Michael
Restaurant Michael, located at 64 Green Bay Rd in Winnetka, Ill. 60093, serves classic haute cuisine in a contemporary presentation with French country flair. There is no corkage fee on Tuesday evenings. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday 5:30 p.m. -10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5:30 p.m. -11:30 p.m.; and Sunday 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Complimentary parking is available. All major cards are accepted. For more information or to make a reservation, call (847) 441-3100 or visit www.restaurantmichael.com.

There's no place like Restaurant Michael for the holidays

Celebrate Christmas Eve at Restaurant Michael
Restaurant Michael features holiday favorites with a Christmas Eve Four-Course Prix Fixe Dinner featuring “greatest hits” selections from past years’ menus. Guests have a choice of four dishes for each course plus Michael’s signature Gougeres cheese puffs to start the meal and ending on a sweet note with Michael’s handmade Grand Marnier Chocolate Truffles. The prix fixe Christmas Eve menu is $49 per person and children 10 and under are half-price with half size portions. The special menu runs 4:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24. Complimentary valet service is also available on Christmas Eve.

Restaurant Michael is closed Christmas Day, but open regular business hours for the remainder of the Christmas week. Restaurant Michael is also open regular business hours during the weeks of both Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

New Year’s Eve at Restaurant Michael
Ring in the New Year at Restaurant Michael with four and five course menus. Early seatings are every 30 minutes between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Dec. 31 when guests enjoy a luxurious Four-Course Menu complete with an appetizer, fish, entrée and dessert course. Early seatings are $69 per guest and include a complimentary glass of Tattinger Champagne with dessert.

Later seatings are every 30 minutes after 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. and these guests enjoy a Five-Course Menu with an appetizer, fish, entrée and dessert course, plus a special truffle course. This five-course menu is $79 per guest and also includes a complimentary glass of Tattinger Champagne with dessert, plus party favors for the midnight celebration.

Dance 2009 away with Live Music at Restaurant Michael, featuring a two-piece band from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Complimentary valet service is also available.

Welcome 2010 New Year’s Day at Restaurant Michael
For the first time ever, celebrate New Year’s Day with Restaurant Michael, featuring a Three-Course Prix Fixe menu with a choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert, plus a special course of Potato Truffle Soup to kick off the meal. Reservations are accepted beginning at 3 p.m. for an early dinner and continue every half hour until 7 p.m. The Jan. 1 menu is $49 per person. Children 10 and under are half-price with half size portions.

Having a Holiday at Home?
For guests choosing to celebrate the holidays at home, be sure to contact Restaurant Michael to prepare readymade items especially for those holiday gatherings without putting in the effort. Although guests may select any menu item, Chef Michael Lachowicz suggests the Whole, Brown Sugar Brined, Organic Ready-to-Roast Turkey ($3/lb.); Michael’s Fully Cooked, Prime Beef Short Ribs ($14/lb.); Ready-to-Roast Marinated Prime Chateaubriand of Beef Tenderloin with Sauce ($17/lb.); House Cured and Smoked Wild Alaskan King Salmon ($14/lb.); Country Style Pate or Duck Liver Mousse with garnishes ($9/lb.); Potato and Black Truffle Soup ($18/quart); Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash Soup ($12/quart); Creamy Mashed Potatoes ($3/serving); Restaurant Michael’s Siganture Gougeres, warm cheese puffs ($12/dozen); or Grand Marnier Valrhona Chocolate Truffles ($1.25/piece).

All orders can be made by contacting Michael Lachowicz directly at (847) 404-6916 or chefdeuxgros@gmail.com. All items are available the same day as ordered.

About Restaurant Michael
Restaurant Michael, located at 64 Green Bay Rd in Winnetka, Ill. 60093, serves classic haute cuisine in a contemporary presentation with French country flair. The restaurant is open for dinner Monday through Thursday 5:30 p.m. -10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5:30 p.m. -11:30 p.m.; and Sunday 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m. The restaurant is open for lunch Fridays 11a.m. -2 p.m. Complimentary parking is available. All major cards are accepted. For more information or to make a reservation, call (847) 441-3100 or visit www.restaurantmichael.com.

Restaurant Michael's "86 Hunger" Dinner Nov. 18

The holiday season is about giving back, and Michael Lachowicz and Restaurant Michael have joined forces with Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill/Topobampo/Xoco; Jackie Shen of Red Light and other talented chefs as part of the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s inaugural “86 Hunger” dinner series. The event unites chefs and guests in an effort to end hunger in the Chicago community.

Join Restaurant Michael in taking hunger off the menu with this special opportunity Wednesday, November 18 from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Tickets are $150 per person and can be purchased at http://tinyurl.com/yh86msz. This event is open to a limited number of guests, so be sure to purchase tickets early.

The Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago's food bank, is a nonproft food distribution and training center providing food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in the community. The Food Depository distributes donated and purchased food through a network of 600 pantries, soup kitchens and shelters to 500,000 adults and children in Cook County every year. For more information, log onto www.chicagofoodbank.org or call (773) 247-FOOD.

About Restaurant Michael
Restaurant Michael, located at 64 Green Bay Rd in Winnetka, Ill. 60093, serves classic haute cuisine in a contemporary presentation with French country flair. The restaurant is open for dinner Monday through Thursday 5:30 p.m. -10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5:30 p.m. -11:30 p.m.; and Sunday 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m. The restaurant is open for lunch Fridays 11a.m. -2 p.m. Complimentary parking is available. Major cards accepted. For more information or to make a reservation, call (847) 441-3100 or visit www.restaurantmichael.com.

"Break the Fast" at Restaurant Michael September 28.

Winnetka’s own Restaurant Michael (64 Green Bay Rd.; 847-441-3100) has just announced that it is hosting a “Break the Fast” dinner for the first time ever on Monday, September 28 starting just after sundown. Guests enjoy a three-course prix five menu for just $39/person. The meal begins with a tradition of Yiddish Honey and Nut Cake paired with a sweet red wine and Restaurant Michael’s own Warm Apple Profiterole. Guests continue with a choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert.

Appetizer selections include a Duo of House Cured and Smoked Salmon and Sturgeon with a Warm Potato Pancake and Whipped Chive Cream Cheese; Exotic Mushroom Tart with Baby Greens Dressed with Roquefort Cheese; or Duck Confit and Foie Gras Strudel with Candied Huckleberries. Entree selections include Classic Steak au Poivre with a Creamy Mashed Potato Gratin and Baby French Beans; Potato Crusted White Fish Tail over Sauteed Spinach with Capers, Lemon and Fried Parsley Leaves; or Roast Stuffed Breast of Hen with Goat Cheese, Apricot and Rosemary Bread Pudding, Natural Jus and Confit Cabbage. For dessert, choose from Individual, Warm Upside Down Apple Tart with Cinnamon, Nutmeg Gelato and Caramel Sauce; or a Selection of Warm Cookies, Baked to Order with Ice Cold Chocolate Milk.

Reservations are being accepted now until 11 p.m. that night for the special "Break the Fast" menu. For other upcoming events and specials at Restaurant Michael, press here.

Restaurant Michael is located at 64 Green Bay Rd. in Winnetka, Ill. serving classic haute cuisine in a contemporary presentation with French country flair. The restaurant is open for dinner Monday through Thursday 5:30 p.m. -10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5:30 p.m. -11:30 p.m.; and Sunday 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m. The restaurant is open for lunch Fridays 11a.m. -2 p.m. Complimentary parking is available. Major cards accepted.

Restaurant Michael announces new Cafe Favorites menu and Writers' Theatre partnership

Chef Michael Lachowicz’s North Shore standout, Restaurant Michael (64 Green Bay Rd., 847-441-3100) announces a new three-course “Café Favorites” menu, as well as a partnership with the Writers’ Theatre (376 Park Ave., Glencoe; 847-242-6000) for its 2009-2010 season.

Three-Course Café Favorites Menu
The new “Café Favorites” menu, which launched Tuesday, August 17, is a three-course café bistro style menu offering patrons a choice from three appetizer selections, three entrée selections and two dessert selections for $34 per person. For an additional $14, guests can add wine paired with the appetizer and entrée courses. The items available on the Café Favorites menu will change every Tuesday.

“The Café Favorites menu is prepared with the same classic French technique as Restaurant Michael’s regular menu,” says Lachowicz. “However, the dishes are more café bistro style, just as sophisticated, but with a less stuffy presentation.”

Sample dishes from the Café Favorites menu include Summer Corn and Tarragon Blinis with shaved fennel, sautéed shrimp and chervil salad; Exotic Mushroom Tart over baby mixed field greens dressed with Roquefort cream and toasted hazelnuts; Classic Steak Frîtes with baby French green beans; Roast Filet of Wild Alaskan Salmon “Marchand de Vin” with red chard and potato gratin; Baked Breast of Free Range Chicken “Dijon” with roast potatoes and carrots; and Peach Filled Crepes with cinnamon whipped cream and toasted chopped pecans.

Dinner Discount with Writers’ Theatre Ticket
For the 2009-2010 season at Writers’ Theatre in Glencoe, patrons can bring their ticket stub to Restaurant Michael to receive a 10 percent discount on their check for a pre-theatre or post-theatre dinner. The discount is valid only on the day of the performance on purchases of $75 or more and cannot be combined with any other special offers or promotions. Alcohol, tax and gratuity are not included.

Performances at Writers’ Theatre are shown at 325 Tudor Ct. (847) 242-9730 or 664 Vernon Ave. (847) 242-9418, both in Glencoe, Ill. For more information about this season’s performances, call the box office at (847) 242-6000 or visit www.writerstheatre.org.

About Restaurant Michael
Restaurant Michael, located at 64 Green Bay Rd. in Winnetka, Ill. 60093, serves classic and modern French cuisine in a contemporary presentation with French country flair. The restaurant is open for dinner Monday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m.- 10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5:30 p.m.- 11:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 4:30 p.m.- 9 p.m. The restaurant is open for lunch Fridays, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Complimentary parking is available. All major cards are accepted. For more information, or to make a reservation, call (847) 441-3100 or visit www.restaurantmichael.com.

Wally and Agador's Gourmet Cafe Grand Opening Tomorrow, May 8

Acclaimed chef/owner Michael Lachowicz will bring his classic French techniques to the city with Wally & Agador’s Gourmet Café (3310 N. Halsted St., 773-325-9664), a gourmet sandwich shop and cafe celebrating its grand opening Friday, May 8.

Lachowicz, who owns the highly regarded Restaurant Michael in Winnetka, Ill., is taking his fine dining entrees, and creating their gourmet sandwich counterparts which range in price $7-$12 each. “It doesn’t have to be fine dining to be great food,” he says. “All of the gourmet sandwiches at Wally & Agador’s are made with the same classic French techniques that are used in a restaurant, but without the fuss and expense.”

Wally & Agador’s, named after Lachowicz’s two “diva” dogs, serves a variety of diva-inspired housemade sandwiches such as The Judy Garland, Grilled Portabella Mushroom, Robiola Cheese and Sliced Artichoke Hearts on Multi-Grain Ciabatta with Green and Black Olive Tapanade ($8); Rosie’s Mambo Italiano, Thinly-Shaved Proscuitto, Taleggio Cheese, Grilled Scallions, Roasted Peppers, Fresh Basil and a Drizzle of Truffle Oil on Toasted Rosemary Flatbread ($10); Wham Sammich, Slow-Cooked “Sous Vide” Leg of Lamb, Thyme, Garlic and Black Pepper Mayo Served in a Warm Baguette with Fresh Laura Chenel Goat’s Cheese and Eggplant “Caviar” ($10); and The Elton John, Chicken Sausage Studded with Dried Huckleberries on Brioche with Truffle Sauce Shallot Jam and Pommes Frites ($11), pictured.

The namesake, sweeter sandwiches include The Wally, Peanut Butter, Marshmallow Fluff and Sliced Bananas on a Batter-Dipped Croissant ($7); and The Agador, Nutella, Marshmallow Fluff and Sliced Bananas on a Batter-Dipped Croissant ($7), both served warm. All sandwiches include a complimentary small side salad with a choice of housemade salad dressing, or homemade chips.

Wally & Agador’s also features several pre-made take away items supplied by Restaurant Michael. Composed salad creations served by the pound include “Mr. Gee’s” Creamy Potato Salad, Michael’s grandfather’s recipe ($5); Roasted Yukon Gold, Italian Sausage and Spring Pea Salad ($7); Truffle-Scented Albacore Tuna salad with Grilled Red Onion ($11); and Lightly Cured Grilled Chicken, Pine Nut and Currant Salad ($12). Gourmet deli selections served by the pound include Restaurant Michael’s House-Curried and Smoked Salmon ($18); Classic Duck Confit ($14); and “Le Français” Chicken Liver Mousse ($10). Wally & Agador’s will also feature three extraordinary entrée selections from Restaurant Michael which will rotate each week.

For the at home chefs, Wally & Agador’s offers a Veal Demi Glace (Gluten Free) ($12 per quart); and Classic Bordelaise, Port Wine or Truffle Lamb Jus ($14 per quart).

Pastry creations at Wally & Agador’s include Toasted Almond Biscotti ($1 for four); Tahitian Vanilla Panna Cotta ($2.50); Grand Marnier Valrhona Chocolate Truffles ($11 per half pound); Valrhona Chocolate Fallen Soufflés ($4); Valrhona Pot de Crème ($2.50); and Blueberry-Almond Financier ($4).

Beverages include a variety of Coca-Cola products, Izze beverages, gourmet bottled iced teas, Evian bottled water and San Pellegrino sparkling water.

The 16-seat space features vivid red walls decorated with black-and-white portraits of the divas after which the gourmet sandwiches are named. The opposing wall features photography for sale by local artist, Ron Reason.

“Wally & Agador’s offers a gourmet experience in a vibrant, yet casual atmosphere,” says Lachowicz. “We’re happy to bring this unique, casual concept to the city.”

Wally & Agador’s Gourmet Cafe, located at 3310 N. Halsted St. in Chicago’s Boystown neighborhood, is open Sunday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight. Catering and office party delivery is available. Phone orders are accepted at (773) 325-9664. For more information visit http://www.wallyandagadorscafe.com/.

(Photos: Cindy Kurman)

Restaurant Michael Introduces Prix-Fixe Dinner and Easter Sunday Menu

To kick off spring, Restaurant Michael (64 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka; 847-441-3100) is offering a special prix-fixe three-course dinner during the months of March and April. Beginning today, Thursday, March 12, this “French Silver Service” menu is a three-course selection from Michael’s a la carte menu. The entire table chooses from three appetizer selections, three entrée selections and two dessert selections. Each course is served tableside, and includes seasonal vegetable selections as well as creamy pomme purée and sauces. The meal kicks off with warm Gougeres (cheese puffs), and ends with Grand Marnier Chocolate Truffles. The prix-fixe deal is just $29.50 per person plus tax and gratuity, offered Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Join Michael for Easter Sunday brunch, offered 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 12. The special three-course menu is $39 for adults, $19 for children under 12, and children three and under eat at no cost. Later in the day, celebrate Easter dinner from 4:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at Restaurant Michael. The special three-course dinner menu is $49 for adults, $25 for children 12 and under, and children three and under eat at no cost. Tax and gratuity is not included.

For wine lovers, Michael will be featuring a special wine list, highlighting bottles under $35 and wines by the glass at $8 or less, the perfect way to try new wines without breaking the bank.

Restaurant Michael, the North Shore’s source of true French cuisine at a remarkable value, understands the importance of offering high-quality cuisine at an affordable price. Chef Michael Lachowicz, executive chef and proprietor of Restaurant Michael, has been enthralled with cooking since the age of three. While attending the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Michael was introduced to the kitchen of Maxim Ribera, a member of the Maitre Cusinier de France. Michael studied under Chef Ribera for two years before returning to Chicago for a three-year stay at Le Francais in Wheeling, Ill. Michael also opened the highly-regarded, four star restaurant Les Deux Gros in Glen Ellyn, Ill. The restaurant received countless awards and accolades, including Restaurant of the Year in 2002 from the Chicago Sun-Times. They received three and a half stars and “Chef to Watch” from the Chicago Tribune, three stars and ranking of number 11 of 20 in the top restaurants from Chicago Magazine in 2002.

For more information, visit http://www.restaurantmichael.com/ or call (847) 441-3100.